I am a physician and pilot with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). I was diagnosed with Adult ADD approximately 3 years ago while still in medical school. Approximately a year and a half before I was diagnosed with ADD I had begun to take lessons to become a private pilot. Between the time I received my private jet rental 3rd Class Medical Certificate and sat for my checkride to become a licensed private pilot I was diagnosed and began treatment with Adderall XR. For the last 2 years I have continued to take Adderall at the same dose with excellent results with respect to ADD symptoms as well as no appreciable side effects since I began taking it. Last year I went to my local FAA Medical Examiner to renew my 3rd Class Medical Certificate and was denied issuance based on my condition (ADD) and because I took a medication the FAA claimed was “incompatible with aviation safetyâ€.
I subsequently appealed this ruling. The FAA then requested I submit my entire medical record up to that point and also that I undergo both a psychological and psychiatric evaluation. I of course complied with their requests, had the evaluations performed, and forwarded to them the results of both evaluations and my medical file. The FAA reviewed the results of my psychological evaluations and medical records, then requested a written statement from my treating physician stating whether or not I intended to continue taking Adderall for the treatment of ADD. My treating physician subsequently sent a letter to the FAA stating that I continued to respond favorably to treatment and that I was to continue taking Adderall. The FAA subsequently sustained their initial decision on the basis that I was “continuing to take medication (Adderall) which is currently unacceptable for medical certification purposesâ€. I was also informed by letter that based on this I would also not qualify for a private jet hire Special Issuance Medical Certificate.
The next step in the appeals process was to appeal the decision to the NTSB and specifically to an Administrative Law Judge (ALJ). Without going into extensive detail here